The Dangers of Cold Weather Wandering

It’s that time of year again. The time when the temperature drops down and stays there for months on end. It’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year for wandering, with many more hazards than other times of the year.

Forewarned is forearmed when it comes to these dangers. Knowing about them will help you to take the right actions, to protect a loved one who is prone to wandering.

Indoor Dangers: Heaters and Fireplace Equipment

The cold weather means things like cranking up the heater and bringing in the fireplace equipment. During the day you can keep an eye on your loved one to keep them safe, but night time is a completely different story.

People who wander out of their bed at night have a full run of the house, and all of its dangers. Heaters go from being sources of warmth to burn hazards, and the fireplace equipment becomes dangerous pieces of metal. Make sure fire is extinguished in the fireplace, store heaters and fireplace equipment safely before bed time.

Outdoor Dangers: Cold, Exposure, and Snow

It doesn’t take long for cold to become dangerous. These problems are only magnified at night when the temperature drops and children tend to wear lighter clothes for sleeping. Going outside in the cold at night can quickly lead to frostbite, exposure, and more.

Snow is another danger beyond being cold. A covering over snow can quickly make it hard to recognize familiar objects, reducing the landscape to a uniform white sheet. This makes it easier than ever for a child who’d wandering to get lost. All entries are locked and alarms are set

Water Dangers: Ice, Ponds, Rivers, and Lakes

Ice can form in a large variety of different locations, everything from icicles on roofs to layers of ice on roads and decks. When someone wanders, surfaces and locations that were once safe can suddenly be very hazardous. Even something as simple as wandering to the end of the driveway and back can become dangerous.

People prone to wandering are often drawn to water, and bodies of water pose an even greater risk during the winter. Completely frozen bodies of water create a large sheet of dangerous ice. Water that’s not frozen will be cold enough to cause hypothermia in no time. Partially frozen bodies of water combine both of these hazards, with dangerous ice that could be thin enough to make falling in easy. Check sidewalks and drive way daily; clear snow and salt icy spots. Also it can help to register with local authorities so that they are aware of your loved ones situation in the event they are found wandering.

You Can Keep Your Loved One Safe

All of these dangers are very scary, and very real. But there is something you can do. The right safety equipment, like The Safety Sleeper, will help keep your loved one from wandering during the night.

Don’t put off getting safety equipment to prevent nighttime wandering any longer. The sooner you get the equipment, the sooner your loved one is protected from the dangers of the cold.

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